Harry Redknapp admits he has held talks with Joe Cole and claims Tottenham "have got as good a chance as anybody" of signing the free agent.
Cole is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Premier League champions Chelsea.
The 28-year-old is keen to sort out his future in the next few weeks after returning from the World Cup with England.
Arsenal were thought to be front-runners for Cole, but now Spurs are hoping to beat their arch-rivals to the midfielder's signature.
Redknapp is a big fan of Cole having brought him through the youth ranks during his time in charge of West Ham and he believes the playmaker still has a lot to offer.
"You know he's got lots of options, I think quite a few clubs want him," said Redknapp.
"I had a great relationship with him as a kid; I signed him when he was 11 years of age.
"As I said before he lived for football, he was the best schoolboy footballer I have ever seen without a doubt.
"He has still got that enthusiasm I think, but whether there is a chance of getting him, I feel there is a chance.
"I don't think it will be easy, but I think we have got as good a chance as anybody."
